Food Allergies

Only about six to eight percent of children under age three have food allergies — usually to cow's milk, eggs, or peanuts. But for those who have them, the condition can be life-threatening, so it's smart to know what signs to look for (and what to do about them) now.

One way to determine whether your child has a tendency toward allergies is to look at your family history, since studies show a strong genetic connection. That means that if you or your spouse has any kind of allergic condition, like hay fever, eczema, or asthma, your child is more likely to have one, too.  If this is the case with your family, your baby's doctor may recommend playing it extra safe by extending breastfeeding for the entire first year, if possible; delaying solids until after six months of age or later; introducing new foods gradually (one every week); and delaying the introduction of eggs until age two, and peanuts, nuts, and fish until age three. (Cow's milk should be delayed for all children until age one.)

How will you know if your child has an allergic reaction? There are a number of signs that can appear minutes to an hour after eating the offending food that include:

• runny nose or eyes
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• crying due to stomach pain
• rash, hives, or eczema
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• blood in stool

If you suspect your wee one has had an allergic reaction, consult with your doctor or a pediatric allergy specialist. They can do tests to help determine whether your baby has a true food allergy or other issue (such as lactose intolerance).

If a true allergy exists, you'll need to keep your baby away from the offending food (sometimes just touching it or even inhaling its scent can be dangerous). That means you'll get plenty of practice reading labels and asking about food ingredients at restaurants and playdates. Work with your doctor to come up with a response plan in case your baby is accidentally exposed to the food, and share this plan with anyone who cares for your baby, including regular child-care providers, occasional babysitters, and grandparents. Yes, it's scary — but the good news is that many babies outgrow allergies to milk and eggs (although nut and fish allergies tend to linger).

Note: A severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) to food is a life-threatening emergency — and it can be very scary for everyone involved. Immediate medical attention is critical, so call 911 if your baby's symptoms include difficulty breathing or passing out.